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Paper Talk: City encouraged despite Messi and Neymar snubs

Man City held discussions over the possibility of signing Lionel Messi or Neymar this summer, while an Ivory Coast star has stated his desire to play for Man Utd.

CITY FAILED IN MESSI AND NEYMAR SWOOPS

Manchester City held three conversations with the representatives of Lionel Messi and Neymar this summer in an attempt to add at least one of the Barcelona superstars to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

City have made a flying start to their Premier League campaign, winning all four of their games so far but, according to The Sun, the club failed in their efforts to recruit either of Barca’s biggest names.

Guardiola spent over £170million securing the likes of John Stones, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito and Claudio Bravo, but the manager has reportedly been assured that Sheikh Mansour will further bankroll his squad overhaul next summer.

That is said to be when City fancy their chances of tempting Messi to leave the Nou Camp. The Argentina star is in the final two years of his contract in Spain and Barca are reported to prefer to sell next year, rather than face the possibility of losing their greatest asset for nothing the following summer should they fail to convince him to sign a new contract.

Messi appears to be a better bet than Neymar, who has recently ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new long-term deal with the La Liga champions.

AND THE REST

Manager Jose Mourinho has told his Manchester United stars they must prove to him they can motivate themselves (Daily Mirror)

Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany he will not walk straight back into the starting line-up when he is fit (Daily Mirror)

Tony Pulis insists he will not quit as West Brom manager, despite the club’s recent takeover and fan unrest at his football style (Daily Mirror)

Rafa Benitez reckons it’s time England manager Sam Allardyce took a good look at the cream of the Championship (Daily Mirror)

Pep Guardiola has recruited Lionel Messi’s nutritionist to help get his Manchester City squad in shape (The Sun)